Once the rains set in, these five Mumbaikars are some of the most wanted men and women, with weekend travellers beseaching them to draft a plan for a rocking rain getaway. Surekha S gets each to pick a favourite monsoon haunt that they believe you should experience
Once the rains set in, these five Mumbaikars are some of the most wanted men and women, with weekend travellers beseaching them to draft a plan for a rocking rain getaway. Surekhau00a0S gets each to pick a favourite monsoon haunt that they believe you should experience 
Isaac Kehimkar
General Manager, Programmes, BNHS
Favourite Haunt
Malshej Ghat is beautiful in the monsoons, and I go there frequently. The waterfalls there are the main attraction, but what most travellers overlook are a variety of wild flowers smothered by birds and butterflies, typical of rains here. There is a lot of forest cover, which makes the area scenic. My sugfgestion is to stand atop a cliff and watch the clouds dance.
How to get there
Situated in Pune district near the border of Thane and Ahmednagar districts, at a distance of 154 km from south Mumbai. To go to Malshej Ghat by road from Mumbai, take NH3 to Bhiwandi, turn towards Murbad or take the state highway via Kalyan, Murbad, Saralgaon and Vaishakhare. Buses ply regularly too.
Duration of drive
Two hours from Mumbai
Where to stay
MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) resorts are your best bet ufffd rates here are lower than at private resorts, and they often offer the best view.
Sudeepta Sanyal
Founder, Blueberry Trails
Favourite Haunt
The beach town of Harihareshwar is my pick for the monsoons. It stands right at the center of the Konkan region, and the beach is flanked by two hills. The water is clean and beautiful. The view from above the mountain is panoramic, and the hills are bathed green once it rains. Walk up the mountain to visit a temple atop it. The small village of Maral nearby is where you can experience the quiet and beauty of rural India. An unnamed beach behind Harihareshwar carries enchanting blue waters. The memory of a swim here will be one you won't forget.
How to get there
Harihareshwar is 193 kms from Mumbai. If you are not traveling by a private vehicle, you can take a train to Mangaon and then hop into a bus to Harihareshwar.
Duration of drive
Three and a half hours from Mumbai.
where to stay
You can stay at the MTDC Harihareshwar. There are also MTDC approved bed and breakfast schemes, which are very basic and inexpensive.
Gaurav Athalye
Director, Jungle Lore
Favourite Haunt
Khalcha Karad is a small village on the outskirts of Mumbai. Though it is just about 10 kms from Panvel, not many travellers have made a trip. The village has a lake and vast fields. Farming is the primary occupation of villagers here, and they are hospitable enough to allow you to lend a hand at harvesting the crop. The last time we went there, we stepped into the marsh and tried pulling out weeds. A pottery studio is run there by Satish Joshi, where you can try your hand at moulding clay.
How to get there
There are several six seaters that take you to Khalcha Karad from Panvel station.
Duration of drive
15 minutes from Panvel. An hour from Mumbai.
Where to stay
Satish Johi can arrange accommodation for travellers if informed in advance.
Email him on sgramini@yahoo.co.in
Rohan Shah
Founder, The Nomadic Quest
Favourite Haunt
Kalsubai is the highest peak (5,400 ft) in Maharshtra, and makes for a challenging trek. It takes about three and a half hours to get to the summit, but it's not a difficult climb. The view from the top is breathtaking and the route is dottted with waterfalls and abundant greenery. You will find yourself walking in the clouds. The Bhandardara lake near Kalsubai is the perfect location to unwind after the climb.
How to get there
Take a train to Igatpuri station from Dadar. From here you can take a bus to Bari village. Igatpuri is about 126 kms from Mumbai, and going by a private vehicle is advisable. There are also ST buses that run from Dadar and Thane.
Duration of drive
It takes about two hours from Mumbai
Where to stay
Bari village stands about 7 kms from the starting point of the trek, and here's where you can stay the night. Villagers have opened up their homes to travellers. From there you can head the base of the Kalsubai peak.
Parag Gandhi
Founder, Escapade Adventures
Favourite Haunt
For a weekend packed with water sports and adventure, Kolad is undoubtedly your best bet. White water rafting, kayaking, flying fox (where a person swings between two poles and lands in the river), river crossing, waterfall rappelling, mountain bikingu00a0-- take your pick. You can also take off on a banana boat ride. There are between 30 to 40 waterfalls in and around Kolad, so if you want to walk through a forest or laze under a waterfall, go ahead.
How to get there
Kolad is about 150 kms from Mumbai. You can drive down in a private vehicle or take a state transport bus that leaves from Bombay Central, Borivli and Thane. You can also reach Roha station and then take a bus to Kolad.u00a0
Duration of drive
It takes two-and-a-half hours to get there.
Where to stay
You can put up in an aqua hut, a house built on the river on stilts, in a tent or in a guest house. Pooja Farms provides accommodation in aqua huts. Contact Pooja Farms on 8097583227 / 9820277797. The area is dotted with private cottages that are available in prior booking.
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